Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on African Butterfly Fish - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
African Butterfly Fish at a glance
Adult size: 5 inches · Min tank/pond: 55 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-10 years.
African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where African Butterfly Fish comes from
African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
African Butterfly Fish tank size and setup
African Butterfly Fish requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for African Butterfly Fish
African Butterfly Fish prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What African Butterfly Fish eats
African Butterfly Fish is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
African Butterfly Fish tankmates and compatibility
African Butterfly Fish works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
African Butterfly Fish adult size and lifespan
African Butterfly Fish reaches 5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care.
Can you breed African Butterfly Fish?
African Butterfly Fish can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common African Butterfly Fish diseases and problems
African Butterfly Fish is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new African Butterfly Fish for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy African Butterfly Fish online
African Butterfly Fish is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live African Butterfly Fish from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
African Butterfly Fish taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.